I have always dreamed of seeing the aurora. I did some research and Fairbanks in March is the best time. I planned 2 weeks so that regardless of the moon phase, weather, or a low aurora index, I would definitely see it. I invited Anne, my best friend of almost 40 years to join me. Two weeks is a long time in a little town like Fairbanks, so I mixed it up with a few different kinds of stays.
As I picked up my luggage at the Fairbanks airport, a girl told me, “You’re lucky. It’s not so cold tonight.” Then the doors opened, and an Arctic blast took a layer of skin off my face. So. Damn. Cold! 20 people were waiting for a taxi. There was only one taxi that goes to the airport. One. He would pick someone up and shout as he drove off, “I’ll be right back!”
I had not dressed for the weather, assuming I would have time after grabbing my luggage. Another lady and I talked the La Quinta shuttle driver into taking us and each gave him $20.
Anne met us outside of the tree house. It was more amongst trees than in the trees, but once I saw all of the adjustments that had to be made for such a small place, I was grateful it wasn’t smaller. There were LOTS of stairs. Lots of stairs. I had to pack a third bag because I need four layers of clothes in the snow, and we also needed swim stuff for the hot springs. So, I had 3 suitcases. Anne was a true friend and carried my luggage up all of them. She is so strong. I’ve really missed her.
The two-story place was cool, with a kitchen, bathroom and sitting area on the first floor and a bed and rope hammock on the second floor. The bed had about five inches of foam on it, making getting in and out of bed comical. If you were too close to the edge you slipped right off. In general, it was a cute and comfy space. But it had a weird smoked salmon smell.
The spiral staircase to the second floor was a death trap. the stairs are so scary, Anne said it’s a slow vacation. Lots of caution. I think this place would be best for a very active couple in their 20s.
The snow was also a Just getting dressed is like an Olympic sport I would not have the patience to live here. There was a bath house with outdoor Jacuzzis that it was too cold for, and really nice showers and bathrooms.
We were there during a full lunar eclipse. We had a really good view.
It was hard to get good pictures once the eclipse started.
The ad said it had a “dry toilet.” I had no idea what that meant. It was less gross than expected but very weird. The “bowl” has tin foil, and when you flush it makes a terrifying noise and apparently ties off the tin foil leaving a fresh bowl. After the first flush the salmon smell went away. It was like peeing on a Jiffy Pop.
I told Anne not to wake me up unless she saw the aurora. It was dark and there were big windows. She woke me up twice and I saw nothing. She was like, “It was just there!” It was definitely an adventure, and Anne was the perfect person for it.
